In today's digital age, it's impossible to escape the influence of technology... it's important to instil in them the values of responsible digital citizenship.

Article shared courtesy of the UHPS Online Safety Hub.

In today's digital age, it's impossible to escape the influence of technology. It permeates every aspect of our lives and is integral to our children's upbringing, so while it's essential for young people to be tech-savvy, it's equally important to instil in them the values of responsible digital citizenship. 
 

One of the main ways children learn is through observation, by mimicking the behaviours of those they look up to. So, for those of us who are keen on raising children with healthy and responsible digital habits, it is important we model those behaviours ourselves.

Talk early and often

Open communication is the foundation of any healthy relationship, including the one you share with your child. Digital technology is a crucial part of their lives, and it will only become more influential as they grow, so start early and talk often about what healthy online behaviours look like (as well as modelling them yourself).
 

Make conversations about the positives and negatives of technology a natural part of your everyday chat. In addition to the usual "How was school today?" and "What did you have for lunch?" questions, ask about their online experiences. Get curious about their digital world by asking things like, "Have you seen any funny memes recently?" or "What have you been up to inside Roblox lately?" By normalising these conversations, you'll create a safe space for your child to come to you with their questions or concerns.

Family tech agreements

From the moment your child starts using technology, you should have a family tech agreement in place; however, for this resource to be the most impactful, everyone must adhere to it, including you!

Involving your children in its creation enables them to feel heard, included, and aware of your expectations, not only empowering them but teaching them about responsibility and accountability. As your children grow, make this process more collaborative. Your teenagers, especially, will appreciate having a say in the rules that govern their digital lives.

Tech-free time

A recent report has shown that, on average, people spend almost seven hours on their screens daily. Excessive screen time has been linked to physical and mental health issues, so it’s vital you carve out some quality tech-free time every day (then teach your children to do the same).

To start, do a self-audit of your own digital habits to see where, when, and how you spend your time online. Quality should always trump quantity when it comes to tech use, so instead of using it as a babysitter, find positive ways to engage with your children using tech, such as listening to music or audiobooks together or playing an online game as a family.

Encourage all family members to switch off their screens during meals and at least an hour before bed. To help keep devices out of the bedrooms during sleep time, set up a family charging station in the kitchen or another common area.

Digital distractions

Children are hard-wired to seek meaningful connections, starting with their families. When adults who are important to them are distracted by screens, they disconnect and are less responsive, causing their children to feel anxious.

Try to avoid digital distractions while interacting with your children (including tech multitasking, such as scrolling through social media while watching a movie together). If you need to take a phone call or send an important email for work, explain what you are doing and how long you will be.

Turning off notifications or setting them to silent can also help if you can’t resist checking whenever you see or hear an alert; however, if that’s not enough, consider turning your phone off for a limited time or keeping it in a separate room.

Respectful interaction

Online communication should mirror in-person etiquette, so always use positivity and manners in your online interactions. Seek consent before posting content about someone else online, including photos. Your children may be adorable, but posting about them can impact their digital footprint in the future. Always ask their permission before sharing anything about them online and teach them to do the same so they can apply this principle when using social media themselves.

Privacy protection

Online safety is paramount, so ensure your devices, apps, and games have strong passwords and robust privacy settings. A great way to start getting your child to think about protecting their personal data is by teaching them the importance of not sharing passwords outside the family and helping them learn to regularly perform updates and settings checks. Install privacy settings together when they start using social media, and discuss what personal information is and isn't appropriate to share publicly, such as their address, where they go to school, or when they are home alone.

Remember, using technology should be a positive experience, enhancing your life with convenience and connection rather than stress and anxiety, and the same applies for your children.

If you find that certain digital content, apps or platforms no longer serve you well, don’t be afraid to delete or disconnect from them, even for a short while, to see if doing so makes a positive difference. Your children will notice and follow your example!